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What Steps Do I Take To Notarize A Translated Document?

How do I notarize a foreign document that has been translated into English by a translator? Would I use an acknowledgment or jurat? What should I enter in my journal under type of document? – N.N., Clovis, CA

There are two possible scenarios Notaries could face based upon your question. First, they could be asked to notarize the translator’s statement certifying the translation of the document into English. Second, they could be asked to notarize the translated document itself. If no notarial certificate is present in either case, ask the customer if he or she would like an acknowledgment or a jurat, briefly describe each act, show the customer sample certificates of each, and then attach whichever form the customer chooses. This decision should always be made by the signer, not the Notary. In your journal, note that the document was either a translator’s declaration or briefly describe the translated document itself if it does not contain a title.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. –The Editors

Kelle Clarke is a Contributing Editor with the National Notary Association.

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3 Comments

Georgia Percy

Donna Schweiger

If a person comes in and wants to have his passport notarized for identification and has already signed the document. Is his signature in your notary book sufficient, or does he need to resign again?

National Notary Association

12 Aug 2014

Hello Donna,
You need to complete a separate journal entry for each notarization requested by a signer--even if the signer's information and signature has been recorded in your journal in the past. The signer would need to write his or her signature in the new journal entry. Be sure to follow all of your state or territory's requirements for completing a journal entry.